Scott Wykoff's Blog

Thursday, February 25, 2016

A Hot Dog Fit For A King

You knew this blog posting was coming with what arrived in a big way on the national fast-food landscape this week.And right off the bat, it did not disappoint!It goes without saying that any day is a great day when this
hot dog aficionado can partake in one of America’s most iconic treats.

While this blogger might be known for taking readers to some
of the best hot dog joints in the nation, this time around it was time to elbow
up to the counter of one of the big boys.
All as fast food royalty has figured-out what we’ve known for a very
long time. Hot dogs rule!

This week Burger King became the first of the top 10 fast
food chains to add a hot dog to its menu.
And we’re not talking for a “limited time only”. We’re talking a permanent menu item that they’re
serving-up starting this week. What took so long?Sir, I can I take your order please.

Hard to believe that Burger King is the first of the big 5 fast
food players to throw a dog on the grill. A flame-grilled hot dog at that. This help take hot dogs to an all new level as Burger King says
it will now will serve my favorite bunned-delicacy in more restaurants than any
other chain in the U.S.

BTW, don’t forget, Sonic and what it has done for hot dog
lovers in recent years. Sonic, the nation’s 12th ranking food chain
(according to sales), does tout a variety of premium hot dogs. And of the
drive-in variety too. Yummy! A little something for the effort please.Enough. How about the
hot dog itself that the nation’s 4th ranking (according to sales)
food chain is serving-up these days from Baltimore to Burbank and everywhere in
between?

They call ‘em Grilled Dogs.The Classic Grilled Dog is a flame-grilled hot dog made with
100% beef topped, with ketchup, mustard, chopped onions and relish, served on a
fluffy baked bun. This might be TMI here but hold the Ketchup please! I digress.

The Chili Cheese Grilled Dog is the same beef hot dog topped
with chili, shredded cheddar cheese and served on a fluffy baked bun.This blogger went for the Classic Grilled Dog (sans Ketchup)
along with fries and an orange Fanta. A
medium hot dog combo meal, if you will.

According to the folks at corporate, “the Classic Grilled
Dog comes at the recommended price of $1.99 or as a combo meal for the
recommended price of $4.49, served with a small fountain drink and fries. The
Chili Cheese Dog is sold at the recommended price of $2.29 and for the
recommended price of $4.79 as part of a combo meal with a small fountain drink
and fries.”And as they say, “price and participation may vary”.And they'll deliver to boot!

Now that's a first too. Very cool. I wonder what the minimum order is? Do you think I can give BK a call and simply order a hot dog (or 2) and have them delivered to my doorstep. If true, they're really is a heaven!So why has Burger King decided to turn to the dog?"The introduction of Grilled Dogs just made sense to
our guests and for our brand," said Alex Macedo, President, North America,
for the Burger King brand. "We're applying over 60 years of flame-grilling
expertise with the Whopper sandwich to make Grilled Dogs the next great
American icon."

So do you think the powers-to-be at the likes of McDonald’s,
Wendy’s and Taco Bell, et al will follow suit? Here's hoping!, But in the meantime a big hot dog lovers
"tip of the bun" for Burger King (and Sonic) leading the way.